October 18th 2024.
Back in their playing days, Martin Keown and Gary Neville were well-known for their heated rivalry on the field. But their clashes weren't just limited to the famous Arsenal vs Manchester United matches, as Keown reveals that Neville used to "rub him up the wrong way" even during their time as international teammates for England.
Both men were stars in their respective teams during the 1990s and early 2000s, with their clubs often facing off in high-stakes matches in the Premier League and FA Cup. And this intense competition spilled over into the national team, with a clear divide between the Arsenal and Manchester United players.
According to Keown, the United players would always stick together and arrive early for meals, making the Arsenal players feel like they didn't fully belong. He also suggests that the United players had a certain arrogance, which the Arsenal players lacked.
One particular incident that stands out for Keown was after the infamous 1999 semi-final replay at Villa Park, where he made the mistake of going into the United dressing room to congratulate them. He was taken aback by Neville's wild celebration and ended up leaving the room in frustration.
But it wasn't just these big moments that got under Keown's skin, as he reveals that there were many small things Neville did that irritated him. For example, during warm-ups, the Neville brothers would always position themselves at the front of the group and go all-out in their training, which Keown attributes to Sir Alex Ferguson's influence.
Even on the plane ride to international matches, Neville's competitiveness would show as he would always rush to grab the seat with extra leg room, even though he wasn't the tallest player. And Keown couldn't resist trying to get back at him by pointing out his illegal throw-ins to the referees during matches.
But when Neville confronted him about it, Keown denied any involvement, showing that their rivalry extended beyond the field. Despite all the tension between them, the two men were able to put their differences aside and work together for the national team, as seen in a photo of them smiling alongside Ashley Cole on England duty.
Looking back on those days, Keown admits that some of his frustration towards Neville may have been fueled by jealousy, as the United player was a key part of a highly successful team. And while their rivalry may have been intense, it also pushed them both to strive for greatness on the field.
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